MATTA's FAM Trip strengthen tourism ties with Hainan

HAIKOU, China: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Sabah Chapter has undertaken a familiarisation trip to Hainan province in China to strengthen tourism ties and foster long-term collaboration between both regions.

Its Chairman, Mohd Azlan Saleh Abd Salam, stated that the trip aims to enhance co-operation in agro-tourism, sustainable farming, and rural economic development—areas where Sabah and Hainan share common strengths.

Azlan made these remarks during the Sabah–Hainan tourism industry exchange and sharing conference, themed “Beautiful China Chasing Dreams in Southeast Asia”, held at the Hainan TIDE Group building.
The five-day programme, from 21 to 25 January, involved 30 Sabah-based travel agents who visited Haikou and Sanya to explore local tourism products and attractions.

He noted that Sabah and Hainan share many similarities, including vibrant urban environments, strong agricultural foundations, and a growing tourism sector that emphasises sustainability and community involvement.

Through the visit, Azlan explained that the Sabah delegation hopes to gain insights into Hainan’s best practices in modern farming, technological adoption, and integrated agro-tourism models that could be adapted for Sabah.

He added that the trip also aims to lay the groundwork for long-term partnerships involving tourism stakeholders, farmers, investors, and policymakers from both regions.

Azlan highlighted that cross-sector collaboration is vital in building a resilient, future-ready tourism industry, particularly in rural and agro-based tourism.

He expressed appreciation to the organisers and hosts for their warm hospitality, noting that the programme provided an important platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and relationship-building.

Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit, who addressed the meeting via a pre-recorded video, reiterated the board’s support for efforts to strengthen tourism cooperation between Sabah and Hainan.

He commended Matta Sabah’s initiative in facilitating direct engagement between industry players from both regions, emphasising that such collaborations are crucial for product development, market access, and joint promotions.

Jimit stated that Sabah welcomes closer cooperation with Hainan’s tourism partners to promote Sabah as a nature-rich and culturally vibrant destination.

He further noted that enhanced collaboration among industry players would help generate new tourism opportunities and deepen mutual understanding between Sabah and Hainan.

Meanwhile, Yu Hui, President of Hainan Taide Tourism Investment Group Co Ltd, expressed strong interest in deepening cross-border tourism cooperation with Sabah, recognising the complementary nature of both destinations.

Yu explained that Sabah’s rainforests and eco-tourism appeal complement Hainan’s coastal attractions and resort offerings.

He highlighted that Hainan is actively developing the Hainan Free Trade Port and positioning itself as an international tourism consumption centre, offering products such as duty-free shopping, healthcare and wellness tourism, cruise and yacht experiences, aerospace tourism, and Li and Miao ethnic cultural attractions.

In contrast, he noted that Sabah is renowned for its eco-tourism assets, world-class diving sites, and multicultural heritage, making collaboration between the two highly promising.

Yu revealed that the group aims to work with Matta Sabah to create multi-stop travel itineraries, allowing visitors to experience both destinations in a single journey—paving the way for a China–Malaysia cross-border tourism corridor.

He described the group as a comprehensive tourism enterprise, involved in local tour services, guide management, outbound travel, and online platform operations.

Its subsidiary, Hainan Nanyang International Travel, utilises Southeast Asian route resources and charter flight capabilities to facilitate inbound and outbound tourism, promoting tourist flows and resource sharing.

Yu concluded by expressing hope to establish a long-term cooperation mechanism with Matta Sabah through regular exchanges, data sharing, and joint promotions, while encouraging greater participation from Hainan tourism enterprises to foster an open and mutually beneficial tourism ecosystem.

Former KePKAS Minister happy arrivals target achieved

KOTA KINABALU: Former Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Seri Christina Liew, has expressed her delight at Sabah reaching its target of 3.5 million tourist arrivals for 2025.

She attributed this success to the unwavering efforts of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) and its agencies, including the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), Sabah Convention Bureau (SCB), Sabah Parks Board of Trustees, State Museum Department, Sabah Cultural Board (LKNS), Sabah Wildlife Department, Environment Protection Department, and Sabah-Malaysia My Second Home (Sabah-MM2H) Committee.

Liew also credited the state's tourism stakeholders, tour and travel agents, tour operators and guides, transport providers, hotels, restaurants, cultural centres, tourism-related organisations, and the culinary association, for their contributions to Sabah’s tourism growth. Special mention was made of those promoting Kota Kinabalu as a gastronomic hub.

She commended STB Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit and his dedicated team for their commendable efforts in marketing Sabah as an attractive travel destination, both physically and through digital media platforms.

According to the former minister, STB has consistently showcased and promoted Sabah’s key attractions and services internationally, in collaboration with other government agencies under KePKAS.

“Congratulations to all government agencies, stakeholders, and private sector individuals who have played a vital role in promoting Sabah globally. I am truly very pleased.

I won’t go into specifics, but I can confirm that tourist and visitor numbers from both international and domestic markets have experienced double-digit growth compared to 2024,” Liew stated on Friday.

With 2025 designated as Visit Malaysia Year, Liew remains optimistic that Sabah’s new tourism products and upgraded facilities will attract even more visitors.

During her tenure (2018–2020 and 2023–2025), she led delegations from KePKAS and STB to various countries to actively promote Sabah as a premier tourist destination, including a notable visit to Abu Dhabi, UAE, where she introduced Sabah to 1,500 delegates from 78 countries, many of whom had not previously heard of Sabah, at the 63rd International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) World Congress in 2024.

In 2023, she officially launched Sabah’s rebranding with the slogan ‘Feel Sabah, North Borneo’ at the ITB Berlin, the world’s leading travel trade show, joined by then Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.

Breakthrough Study Identifies Key Factors Increasing Gastric Cancer Risk

SINGAPORE: Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School and the National University Health System (NUHS), alongside an international team, have uncovered a complex network of factors that elevate the risk of developing gastric (stomach) cancer. Their findings, published in Cancer Discovery, shed new light on the earliest biological changes that precede cancer development and could pave the way for more targeted risk assessment and preventative strategies.

 Gastric cancer remains one of the most lethal cancers worldwide, ranking as the fifth most common and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with an estimated 769,000 fatalities in 2020. In Singapore, it is among the top ten causes of cancer mortality, claiming roughly 300 lives annually.

 The disease typically develops over decades, beginning with chronic inflammation of the stomach lining, progressing to intestinal metaplasia, a condition where stomach cells gradually transform into intestinal-type cells. This process can advance to severe tissue damage and, ultimately, cancer. Currently, clinicians struggle to predict which individuals with intestinal metaplasia are most at risk of progression.

 To address this challenge, the research was conducted under the auspices of the Singapore Gastric Cancer Consortium (SGCC), a multidisciplinary national initiative involving clinicians, scientists from various universities and research institutes, and partners from Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the USA. The team analysed over 1,500 intestinal metaplasia samples from six countries, enabling a comparative study of genetic mutations across diverse populations with varying gastric cancer risks.

Advanced genetic analysis revealed 47 significantly mutated genes in intestinal metaplasia tissues. Notably, mutations in the gene ARID1A were linked to increased cancer risk and poorer prognosis. The researchers also identified a unique pattern of DNA damage, called SBS17, absent in healthy stomach tissue but prevalent in intestinal metaplasia. Linked to oxidative stress—cellular damage caused by reactive molecules often intensified by smoking, this pattern suggests oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in early gastric carcinogenesis.

 An unexpected discovery was the potential therapeutic role of pyrvinium, an anti-parasitic drug, which was shown to inhibit the growth of intestinal metaplasia cells. This promising finding has prompted plans for clinical trials to explore its use in preventing gastric cancer.

The team also identified an association between clonal haemopoiesis, a process where blood stem cells acquire mutations and expand, and increased gastric cancer susceptibility. Since clonal haemopoiesis is common in older adults, this link offers insights into why gastric cancer often appears later in life. Furthermore, individuals with clonal haemopoiesis exhibited higher levels of oral bacteria such as Streptococcus in their stomachs. The combined effect of weakened immunity and increased bacterial presence may foster chronic inflammation, accelerating disease progression.

 Professor Patrick Tan, Dean of Duke-NUS and senior author of the study, commented,"Gastric cancer is often called a silent killer because it develops quietly over many years before symptoms emerge. Our research shows that risk factors are multifaceted, building over time through a complex interplay of ageing, genetic alterations, immune system changes, and bacterial influences. As Singapore’s population ages rapidly, these insights will be vital in advancing our understanding of biological ageing and promoting healthier longevity."

 Professor Yeoh Khay Guan, Chief Executive of NUHS and co-senior author, added, "Our findings open new avenues for treatment, including targeting specific bacteria and potentially reversing intestinal metaplasia. They also enable us to identify individuals at greatest risk long before cancer develops, allowing for more focused screening and early intervention."

Supported by the Singapore Ministry of Health and research grants from the National Medical Research Council and the National Research Foundation, this study marks a significant step forward in gastric cancer research and prevention.

Sabah Tourism Sights and Sites Promoted in Vietnam

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam:  The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) has successfully concluded its strategic trade mission to Vietnam, hosting the Sabah Seminar and B2B Session at the Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel recently.

In collaboration with the Sabah Enhanced Travel Innovation Association (SETIA) and Tourism Malaysia, the event served as a valuable networking platform for 20 delegates from Sabah, including 16 specialised travel agents, to engage in “tabletop” business discussions with leading travel trade partners in Ho Chi Minh City.

A total of 65 buyers representing local Vietnamese agencies attended the event, demonstrating a strong interest in promoting Sabah as a destination to Vietnamese travellers.

The mission also highlighted AirAsia’s direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Kota Kinabalu, offering seamless connectivity that reduces travel time to just over two hours.

“Vietnam is an emerging key market for us. By engaging with our industry partners, we are committed to expanding our network and establishing long-term collaborations with Vietnamese trade stakeholders,” said Julinus Jeffery Jimit, Chief Executive Officer of Sabah Tourism Board.

“This targeted initiative aims to unlock new growth opportunities and foster high-value partnerships between Sabah’s travel experts and Vietnam’s rapidly expanding outbound tourism market,” he added.

As Malaysia prepares to celebrate Visit Malaysia Year 2026, Sabah is already looking ahead to its milestone, the Visit Sabah Year 2027. Under the new branding, “Explore Sabah – Naturally Inspiring, Beyond Ordinary,” the state aims to position itself as a premier global destination for culture, adventure, and nature.

Following the recent recognition of Sabah’s ten “World’s Best” attractions, the state continues to highlight its world-class natural beauty and adventure offerings, with the iconic Mount Kinabalu climb remaining a top-tier bucket list experience for Vietnamese adventure enthusiasts. Sabah’s other top five highest peaks in Malaysia also warrant recognition.

Beyond its mountains, diving remains a major attraction, drawing enthusiasts to explore the vibrant underwater biodiversity of the Semporna Islands and the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, situated near the capital.

The unique wildlife of Borneo, including orangutans, Bornean elephants, and sun bears, continues to captivate visitors’ attention. Complementing these natural wonders is Sabah’s rich cultural tapestry, shaped by over 30 ethnic groups that tell the enduring stories of Borneo’s traditions.

The Sabah Tourism Board remains dedicated to sustainable tourism development, ensuring growth that is inclusive and responsible. STB continues to support community-based tourism (CoBT) operators, which serve as pillars of inclusive development. Recently, five Sabah CoBT operators received national recognition under the ASEAN Tourism Standard, setting a benchmark for others in the region.

With its combination of natural beauty, adventure opportunities, and cultural richness, Sabah is well-positioned to welcome Vietnamese travellers seeking a unique journey in Borneo.

Authentic Cultural Venue for Memorable Events in Sabah

TUARAN: Situated within the expansive 400-acre natural sanctuary of Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu, Pogun Tokou offers a truly unique experience for visitors. 

Celebrating Sabah’s rich cultural heritage, commitment to sustainability, and sense of place, this venue provides an inspiring setting for visitors seeking an authentic taste of Borneo’s traditions alongside their meetings and events. 

The name “Pogun Tokou,” meaning “Our Land” in the Dusun language, perfectly encapsulates its mission to foster meaningful connections through shared cultural experiences and genuine hospitality.

More than just an event space, Pogun Tokou serves as a living tribute to Sabah’s rich traditions. Its architecture harmoniously blends traditional design elements with modern comforts, creating an inviting environment for corporate gatherings, incentive groups, private celebrations, and destination weddings that desire an authentic cultural flavour without compromising on comfort or service excellence.

Inspired by the spirit of unity and a deep respect for land and heritage, Pogun Tokou comprises three traditional structures, each with its own character and purpose. The ‘Walai’ reflects the intimacy of a traditional village home, ideal for private dinners or cultural demonstrations. ‘Lamin’ draws inspiration from Sabah’s communal longhouses, providing an ideal setting for group dining, storytelling, and interactive cultural experiences. ‘Suap’ offers an open and welcoming space, perfect for cocktail receptions and social gatherings.

Built with sustainable materials and crafted by local artisans, every detail of Pogun Tokou showcases Sabah’s stories, skills, and traditions. Overlooking lush forest reserves with stunning vistas stretching towards the South China Sea, the venue offers a naturally inspiring backdrop for any occasion.

Purposefully designed, Pogun Tokou is ideally suited to events that aim to go beyond the conventional. Its flexible layout allows organisers to create programmes that include welcome dinners, themed galas, cultural performances, incentive celebrations, and informal networking sessions. These experiences can be enriched by storytelling, local cuisine, and traditional entertainment, all delivered with Shangri-La’s renowned level of service.

Aligned with Shangri-La’s Triple ‘S’ philosophy—Stay, Savour, Shine—Pogun Tokou actively promotes sustainability and community engagement. Events hosted here contribute directly to the preservation of Sabah’s cultural heritage, support local craftsmanship, and uphold environmental responsibility. Choosing this venue means not only securing an extraordinary space but also supporting the local community and fostering meaningful cultural exchanges.

Located at Pantai Dalit Beach in Tuaran, the resort offers seamless access to luxurious accommodation, world-class dining, nature-based activities, and team-building experiences. Pogun Tokou complements the resort’s extensive MICE offerings by adding a deeply rooted, cultural dimension to events in Kota Kinabalu. 

For organisations seeking to inspire connection, celebrate local traditions, and create memorable moments, Pogun Tokou stands out as an authentic and inspiring destinations—a truly remarkable venue that reflects the heart and soul of Sabah.

MAS to fly to Paris next year

 

BANGKOK: Malaysia Airlines is excited to announce the launch of flights to Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris, marking a significant milestone in the airline's European expansion. This new route, set to commence on 22 March 2025, will be Malaysia Airlines' 68th destination, further solidifying its role as the gateway to Asia and beyond.

In celebration of this route's return after nearly a decade, Malaysia Airlines is introducing the "Time for Paris" campaign. Tickets will be available for purchase starting 6 September 2024, featuring an introductory all-inclusive return fare of THB 25,500. The service will operate four weekly flights from 22 March 2025, departing directly from Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 aboard the A350-900 aircraft, with daily flights commencing on 29 March 2025.

Paris, celebrated for its iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, offers a rich tapestry of world-class cuisine, exquisite fashion, and a vibrant cultural scene. With its charming streets, historic architecture, and renowned art galleries, Paris promises a distinguished experience for all travelers.

Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), said, "Our expansion into Europe marks a significant milestone for Malaysia Airlines. With the arrival of additional widebody aircraft starting this Quarter 4, we are ready to bring this long-awaited city back into our network. While the European market is highly competitive, we see tremendous potential for this route to attract key travellers, not just from Malaysia but also from neighbouring regions.

By launching services to Paris, we reaffirm our position as the flagship airline and strengthen our role as the gateway to Asia and beyond. This route will be served by our state-of-the-art A350-900 aircraft, which already operates on key routes like London and Doha, delivering a world-class travel experience to our passengers."

In addition to this exciting route expansion, MAG is thrilled to announce that Malaysia Airlines and Google Gemini are transforming the travel experience by showcasing its cutting-edge AI technology, Gemini, for the first time at a physical demonstration in Malaysia at MAG's Arena during the MATTA Fair (Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents Fair). Google Gemini, known for its advanced capabilities in natural language processing and predictive analytics, represents the next frontier in AI innovation. Visitors can visualize their dream destinations through an AI-powered image generator and receive personalized trip itineraries using Google Gemini's advanced capabilities.

Malaysia Airlines is also revamping its corporate travel programme from MHbiz TRAVEL to MHcorporate. This newly designed program delivers unmatched flexibility, upfront savings on Malaysia Airlines routes, and customized travel solutions tailored for both SMEs and large corporations. MHcorporate provides a premium travel experience with a dedicated relationship manager, preferential fares, and the introduction of Corporate Enrich Points, which can be redeemed for various benefits.

To celebrate the launch, SMEs enrolled in MHcorporate can earn four times (x4) Corporate Enrich Points on base fares and enjoy an extra 5% discount on MATTA Fair offers for travel through 31 December 2024. This enhancement aligns with Malaysia Airlines' strategy to expand its global business traveller base while continuing to deliver exceptional Malaysian Hospitality worldwide.

"As part of this enhanced corporate products, we have also elevated MH Corporate Marine attributes and revamped MH MICE offerings, aiming to drive more MICE business to Malaysia and position the country as a key hub for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions."

As a member of the oneworld® alliance, Malaysia Airlines currently offers superior connectivity to more than 900 destinations in 170 territories across the globe.

Seeking Betterment in Entrepreneurship

KOTA KINABALU:  Garnering valuable insights for personal and professional growth from a successful entrepreneur can accord young aspirants a roadmap to strive and cultivate a fulfilling and successful life.

For Cleopatra Lajawai, Chief Executive Officer of AEI Wellness Sdn Bhd, a prominent leader in sustainable Wholistic wellness lifestyle products, services, and trade events, there are guidelines that can be adhered to for success.

Discovering Your Passion

"Understanding your passion is the cornerstone of any meaningful journey. If you find yourself uncertain about what truly excites you, take the time to explore different interests. Engage in self-reflection, seek guidance from mentors, or participate in workshops. The journey to discovering your passion can be transformative and enlightening, setting the stage for the goals you will pursue."

Translating Passion into Action

Cleopatra, a Penampang-born entrepreneur, shared that once young entrepreneurs have identified their passion, it's essential to translate that enthusiasm into actionable steps. Setting practical, achievable goals is crucial. Break these goals down into smaller, manageable tasks that allow you to track your progress. Celebrating small victories along the way can provide the motivation needed to continue pushing forward.

Developing Self-Awareness

"Besides that, self-awareness is needed. Understanding your strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations creates a solid foundation for growth. Take the time to engage in introspection and evaluate your experiences. By knowing yourself deeply, you can make informed decisions that align with your true self, rather than getting lost in external expectations or societal norms."

Seeking Guidance and Support

According to her, young aspirants should never embark on a journey alone and they should surround themselves with experienced individuals who can provide guidance and support. They should never underestimate the lessons that can be learned from those at different stages of their lives. Every interaction holds the potential for growth, so remain open to insights from everyone around.

Embracing Vulnerability

"Recognising your weaknesses and limitations is not a sign of failure; rather, it is an opportunity for growth. Acknowledging these areas allows you to seek help and develop strategies for improvement. Embrace the idea that vulnerability can lead to strength as you work to transform perceived limitations into new skills and competencies."

Overcoming Excuses

"Excuses can be insidious, creeping into our minds and stalling progress. Instead of allowing small setbacks to deter you, view them as stepping stones. Remember, even the smallest action can create ripples of change. Start with minor achievements; they accumulate over time and pave the way for more significant accomplishments."

Adopting a wholistic Wellness Lifestyle

In both business and life, adopting a sustainable wholistic wellness lifestyle is paramount. While financial success can facilitate many endeavors, true fulfillment comes from balancing all ten pillars of wellness—physical, emotional, social, spiritual, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, recreational, and health. Neglecting any of these can lead to disillusionment and a drift from your core objectives.

Prioritizing Self-Care

"Charity begins at home" rings true where personal development is concerned. Prioritizing investing time and resources in their well-being can result in a strong foundation within them and enable them to support others more effectively.

Embracing Entrepreneurial Challenges

"If your goal is to become an entrepreneur, be prepared to step outside of your comfort zone. Success often requires a hunger for progress and a willingness to take risks. Embrace the challenges that come your way, and view them as opportunities for growth. The entrepreneurial journey is not for the faint-hearted, but for those ready to learn, adapt, and thrive."

AEI Wellness Sdn Bhd (AEIWellness) was established in Kota Kinabalu in 2015 and officially started operations in 2017, organizing Qi-Mag courses and promoting wellness products. The company creates and promotes global, innovative, and sustainable preventive health-based technologies, products, services, and events to support individuals' holistic wellness and well-being.

Hilton for Breaking of Fast

KOTA KINABALU: The arrival of Ramadan is much anticipated as it brings with it a unique and exhilarating thrill, being a time of heightened spirituality, self-reflection, and immense devotion for Muslims.

Smital, the General Manager and the Dining area

With it comes the test of faith especially for the fasting populace. When the breaking of fast arrive in the evenings, many anticipate to dine in comfort and savour the food. Most will go home and cook for their loved ones, enjoying the togetherness that comes with dining with one's family.

local favourite, Inava

Not everyone can go home and cook though, or go home and eat with their family. There are those who work until late in the evenings, travelers on business trips, families on vacations and other members of the mobile community. There are also those who wish to treat their  family to an evening out and break their fast outside. Of course, some of us just want to sample the various types of food being offered and sold in the various outlets and food stalls that mushroom around the city at that time.

One of the place to break one's fast in Kota Kinabalu is Hilton Hotel Kota Kinabalu. This establishment is sited at Asia City right by the main road so one cant miss it.

Hilton Kota Kinabalu is excited to introduce "Merentasi Tradisi: Sajian Dulu dan Kini," a Ramadan-themed buffet that celebrates both the traditional flavours of the past and the contemporary culinary creations of today.

Sumptuous roasted lamb

In line with a nationwide campaign for Hilton properties across Malaysia, 'Merentasi Tradisi: Sajian Dulu dan Kini,' which translates to "Beyond Tradition: Cuisines of Then and Now," will be held at Urban Kitchen, Hilton Kota Kinabalu from March 12 to April 9, 2024.

This special Ramadan buffet not only showcases the authentic local flavours but also emphasises sustainability by using locally sourced produce and prioritising effective food wastage management. The menu will feature well-loved recipes from the past as well as modern interpretations of traditional dishes synonymous with Ramadan.

Dessert

Smital Boultwood, General Manager of Hilton Kota Kinabalu, shared that she was excited about the offerings and invites residents from in an around Kota Kinabalu during he fasting month to drop by and enjoy the sumptuous offerings.

She is also excited to be in Sabah after being posted from another Hilton establishment in Maldives.

The Ramadan buffet at Urban Kitchen offer a diverse and sustainable culinary experience that blends old and new flavours seamlessly.

Running from March 12 to April 9, 2024, between 5:30 PM and 9:30 PM, the Ramadan Buffet at Urban Kitchen is priced at RM 178 nett per adult and RM 89 nett per child. Guests can enjoy a range of delectable dishes, including Ayam Bakar Pasu, Sup Mamak Lamb Shank, Bubur Lambok Kampong Bharu, Daging Bakar Ala Thai, Ikan Bakar Portugis, Seafood Bakar Jimbara, Kambing Bakar Tandoori, and Gulai Kawah Ekor Lembu, among many others. There are also popular local cusines such as Inava or lime-pickled fish as well as local vegetables. The array of food is mind-boggling and if one wants to sample all of them, a few return visits are commendable.

Cakes to titillate the palate

To make it more exciting Hilton Kota Kinabalu is offering an Exclusive Ramadan Bundle Deal – Buy 4 and Get 1 Free or Buy 10 and Get 3 Free.

Additionally, guests have the opportunity to purchase F&B vouchers at RM130 nett per person (with a minimum purchase of 20 vouchers), each accompanied by a door gift. Hilton Honors discounts are available for guests.

For reservations or more information, please visit EatDrinkHilton.com or contact Hilton Kota Kinabalu at +6088 356 000 or email kotakinabalu_fnb@hilton.com.-ends

Ramadan Offerings at Rasa Ria Resort

TUARAN: The Fasting month of Ramadan is just around the corner and food stall will mushroom around the city and towns catering to the fasting community during that time.

Chicken Wing, a local favourite

However, the fasting community is not the only group of people who frequent these stalls but also people from all walks of life. There is always that festive atmosphere in the evenings as people throng into the stalls called Ramadan Bazaar.

Quail

Those who have to go home and cook for the family after a hard day are always happy to just get their food from the stalls and hurry home before breaking of fast. Travellers during the month of Ramadan also benefit tremendously from these stalls. These food stalls however are mostly for people who wish to pack and take away their food. For those who wish to dine in, there are eateries available for them too.

Squids

Those who wish to break their fast watching the sunset and listening to sounds of nature should check out Shangri-La Rasa Ria's Selera Ria at Tepi Laut, Tuaran. Located near the resort's Garden Wing pool, this restaurant presents an extraordinary culinary experience curated by Chef Boniface Luhok exclusively for the month of Ramadan.

Chicken with cashew nuts

From March 12th to April 9th, diners are invited to embark on a tantalising journey through the rich and vibrant flavours of Malay cuisine, among others.

Taste buds will be titillated by the authentic flavors of Malay cuisine specially prepared for this season, as there is an array of mouthwatering dishes to indulge in.

A personal favourite is the Roti John. It is a huge bun filled with vegetables cheese and beef. This is a Malaysian street food classic. There is also the Sup Kawah, a hearty beef rib soup infused with aromatic spices as well as Tulang Rusuk, beef ribs that are cooked to perfection.

The Roasted Whole Lamb should not be missed, with its briyani rice as well as the Nasi Lemak, the traditional fragrant rice with peanuts and anchovies. This is a traditional Malaysian dish, too.

The famous Satay and Lemang are also available as well as the mee hoon pecal. There is a station there that you can get this dish, as well as a local fruit salad, famously called Rojak buah. Actually, there are about 100 dishes available at any one buffet, with a rotation of 400 dishes throughout the fasting month.

There is also an exclusive early bird pricing exclusively for Malaysian residents. From Monday to Thursday the price is RM138 per person (Normal Price – RM238 and Friday to Sunday,  RM168 per person (Normal Price – RM238)

For those who want to enjoy the food at the resort visit www.dinerasaria.com to secure reservation. They are encouraged to contact Shangri-La Rasa Ria's Food & Beverage Team at +6088 797 888 for more information.-MYS

Tea Destination

RANAU is one district in the State that has a lot to offer tourists. It has the Poring Hot Spring, the Kg Luanti Fish Spa, the Memorial Park, and the Kinabalu Parks as well as Mount Kinabalu, among many others. Guests will actually be spoiled for choice but they should not pass up the opportunity to visit the Sabah Tea Resort.This resort sited in a picturesque area within the tea plantation is well worth several visits actually. They have very good accommodation, comfortable and clean.

There are 16 rooms in the four cottages. The cottages, with their quaint picket fence, are named after some British and Australian personalities including Sir Alfred Dent, a founder of the British North Borneo Company; Sergeant Lofty Hodges who was part of a special forces unit that parachuted into North Borneo to rescue the prisoners during the Japanese occupation; Martin and Osa Johnson who flew from Singapore to North Borneo; and Sir William Goode, the last Governor of North Borneo.

These little gems in history can be very interesting to guests especially those who came from the countries concerned.

Besides the cottages, there are 25 rooms at the longhouse to cater to guests who wished to stay over for a couple of nights. This place is worth staying a few days in actually, to enjoy the ambiance and rest from the hassle of city life and running the rat race.

From the cottage, one can wake up to the glorious sight of Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Malaysia and one of the more famous tourist destinations in the State.  The brooding mountain in the distance never fails to amaze and is a favourite of photography buffs.

Those who have never seen a tea plantation before can walk around to their hearts’ content. In the morning one can actually watch the people picking tea leaves. It is an interesting sight, and merits more photos.

Plants and flowers abound around the resort, so more subjects for photographers. The main area of interest seemed to be the pretty teapot effigy at the restaurant ground and a sign where more people take photos for remembrance’s sake.

The ambiance with little touches for their guests allows them to enjoy the cool morning air and the walk, they can also take memorable photographs. One of these touches is the ‘Go Sabah Frame’ erected in collaboration with the Sabah Tourism Board. When one stands there, Mount Kinabalu is the ‘framed’.

Walk around and guests will come to a memorial to a fallen Australian Prisoner of War (PoW) memorial. This was one of the young man who died during the infamous death march during the Second World War.

This site is where Allan Quailey fell and died on Feb 16 1945. His photo is there with a brief history of the event. An Australian and a Malaysian flag fly there, flapping in the wind, forever saluting the fallen hero.

As for tea, Sabah Tea is very famous among tea drinkers. They have now augmented the tea flavours, where people can taste tea with a hint of lavender, Calamansi and lemon, mango and strawberry as well as Passion fruit, among others. They have a website where customers could order from.

Personally, I believe that guests should stay longer at the Sabah Tea Resort due to its comfortable accommodation, and go around the touristic sites around the area, such as the Poring Hot Spring, the Fish Spa at Kg Luanti and Ranau township among many others.-PW

Dining at Venition Club

 

Having food at Venition Club sited at Off Jalan Lintas, Lido is a leisurely adventure through their extensive menu. The ambiance is cosy and the staff is friendly and welcoming. There are booth seats that give you a sense of closeness to your dining companion and are indeed suitable for couples who wish to dine together in their own ‘secluded’ space.

This place is famous for its dim sums but the menu offers extensive choices for diners. The Deep-Fried Chicken with Belacan is interesting and should be sampled as well as the all-time favourite cold Thai Style Glass Noodles.  The Sweet and Sour Eggplant and Dry Butter Mock Prawns as well as the Curry Vegetables are must-sample items that shouldn’t be missed.

The Fish and Chip is a classic. The Grilled Lamb Chop is worth ordering so is the Pineapple Fried Rice with Chicken. The Double Boiled Soup is absolutely delicious as is the Imitation Sharkfin Soup with Fish Maw. The Wet Butter Chicken and the 3 Flavours Chicken are delicious and should really be sampled.

For something a little different, get the Honey Roasted Char Siu as well as the Tomato Beef and Braised Lamb Belly. Those are a veritable feast.  The Beancurd with Minced Chicken with Salted Fish and Kimsha Beancurd with the Szechuan French Bean  are good accompaniments for lunch.  Top that with Thai Sweet Chili Fish and Special Crispy Chicken Skin and it’s perfect.

Don’t forget the Korean Chicken Wings, they are delicious. But get the real experience, visit the Venition Tasty Wok’s today-PW

 

5th Avenue's Offering for 2023

 

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THE  best thing about dining at the 5^th Avenue Café sited at Taman Foo Long, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu,  is the food’s great flavour. There is always something titillating the palate with every dish.

Mostly because they have great quality ingredients for their dishes and of course, the expertise of the chef takes them a level higher. So, each dish gain impressive flavours that allow you to taste sweet, sour, salt oi,l and spice among others, distinctively. The taste of the food does not bleed together, lending each dish similar taste.
Mouth-watering is a popular saying when it comes to food, and the new 2023 Chinese dishes at the 5^th Avenue are made of those. It requires returns. The presentations are also commendable. Visual presentation makes the dishes appetising
For 2023, diners at 5^th Avenue will be able to enjoy these new dishes. They include Kiu Nyuk Mantao, Steamed Pork Slice with Salted Fish and Crispy Pork Belly with Homemade Thai Sauce.

For those who simply loves prawns, order the Kim Hiong Prawns followed by the Longan Prawn Salad and the get the Teo Chew Style Steamed Beancurd for taste.

 

The Homemade Crispy Beancurd with Squid and Chicken Ham is delicious as is the  Crispy Apple Chicken and Black Sesame Crispy Chicken.

The Laici Honey Lamb is worth coming back for seconds, just as the Spicy Garlic Lamb. Eat those with a serving of the all-time favourite Salt and Pepper Shimeji Mushrooms.

The Nam Yee Mixed Vegetable is recommended followed by the Steamed Mushroom Chicken Roll with Egg Gravy and of course the Mock Sharkfin Omelette. 

 

Try the Stir Fried Black Bean Fish Fillet and the Stir Fried Fish fillet with Salted Vegetable and Pineapple as well as the Fish Maw Seaweed Crabmeat Soup. All these and more are available at the outlet. Make sure to check it out and enjoy the sumptuous food.-PW

 

At Karanahan View

Visiting Karanahan View, in Kg Tempasuk 1, Kota Belud, one can see the colourful field of photo booths, beautifully landscaped lawn and the swimming Pool. By the side, there is a pond with plenty of fish and several kayak and boats nearby in a hut, just ready for guests to push into the water and go for a good paddle.

There are flowers growing in abundance along the paths to the huts and chalets there. At one side, umbrellas hang on strings overhead, creating a pretty sight to the shade, and of course paused for visitors to capture photographs.
There are several buildings there, one of which is a one-storey restaurant, where they serve filling food, and traditional fare upon request. The ambiance is cosy, with comfortable seats and breeze blowing in from the open space outside. The view is of the paddy fields and the villages far in the distance.

In the morning one can see Mount Kinabalu in the distance from Karanahan View. There are beautiful photographs of the majestic mountain captured from this site.

The proprietor Michael Asik shares that area used to be just paddy fields, tended to by he and his mother. It was just like any other fields where they would toil and sweat under the hot sun, ploughing the fields and making it conducive for planting. The mother and child would plant paddy seedlings in a row as fast as they could so the paddy would grow uniformly.

“I planted paddy very fast and had been commended for it,” Michael shares, reminiscing about the past.
He was very close to his mother, he shares, as his father had passed a while back. He went with his mother everywhere to tend the field and generally working the land with her. He went to school though and got gainfully employed as a civil servant. Sadly, his mother had since passed.
“The land was lying idle, so I got the idea of making a fish pond there. Initially I had no intention of making it accessible to the public, but it created a lot of interest, with people passing by, coming in and watching me feed fish,” he shares.

“Friends encouraged me to develop the place more, as it can be turned into an attraction, so they said. So, I began to look into developing the land into something more appealing than it originally was. We began to put up the meandering path, construct huts and the chalets. We have gazeboes and shades for picnics and the children who come to use the pool.”
Bicycles ready for guests

“We have chalets for those who wished to stay over. The people that come here are usually those who want to rest for a while away from their home or workplace environment. We have welcomed international visitors in the past, before the pandemic, and hope to, again.”
Visitors to Karanahan View, which is opened from 6am to 10pm daily, will usually be welcomed by a group of youngsters in traditional Dusun costumes, and beating of the gongs. They will be ushered in for welcome drinks and rest before embarking on any of the activities.

“Those who wish to just play around in the swimming pool can do so, while others go on the paddle boat. They can choose the inflatable boat to if they are so inclined. The remote-controlled boat is also quite popular as well as the remote-controlled car. Bicycles are also available for those who wish to go cycling. One of the best times to cycle is in the morning, when Mount Kinabalu can be clearly seen. Learning to fly a kite is also quite interesting, and one can crush up on one’s skills here.”

“For those who wish to commemorate the occasion of their visits, they can borrow the traditional costume there for a mere RM25 and pose for as many photographs as they want. There are many more activities here that can be of tremendous interest to guests such as paddy fields activities and fishing,” he enthuses.

The 1.5 acre of land where Karanahan View stands is only part of a piece of land that Michael owns, and he will continue to expand his tourism site. He also runs a six-room homestay nearby. The rooms are clean and comfortable.

The houses are surrounded by a village’s natural environment, so guests can experience a real stay in the homes of a local. Karanahan View is an example of the ingenuity of an innovative landowner who wishes to participate in the tourism industry, even when there’s no particular significant landmark nearby. He carves beauty off a paddy field, and maintains the fields around the site, to enhance its attraction. The fields will serve as a reminder to the people about their heritage and past livelihood, while the tourism spot present man-made wonders.-PW